Al Maktoum International Airport expansion to kick off by the end of the 2014

With a budget of $32 billion or Dh117.5 billion, Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) preps for construction and is expected to start by the end of 2014.

Al Maktoum International Airport expansion to kick off by the end of the 2014

DWC started operation on October accepting passenger airlines with a start up capacity of on the range on five to seven million and has been servicing carriers including Qatar Airways and Gulf Air, who also maintain operations at Dubai International. Phase one development of Al Maktoum International was approved by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in a report issued by Dubai Airports.

The first phase worth $32 billion expansion will run for an approximate of six to eight years and will be able to have room for 120 million passengers a year once finished. It spreads over 56 square kilometers and will include the construction of two satellite buildings and is expected to provide accommodation for 100 Airbus A380’s at any one time.

Once completed, it could be an opportunity for the Dubai government to make an assessment on when Dubai’s flagship airline will change hubs from Dubai International to the new airport. The President of the airline has expressed that it depends on the Dubai government when it will be transferred.

DWC is expected to accommodate a total of 220 million passengers once the second and final phase is completed.